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Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA): Map Based Search

A guide for using Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA.)

Map Based Searching

A Map Based Search lets you draw your own custom geographic region on a map of the United States and limit your search to that area. This is particularly helpful for searching sections of states that aren't part of traditional metro or city regions, or for searching multiple custom or separate geographic regions.

Under the Advanced Search, choose Map Based Search under Geography and choose Open Map.

Map Based Search

On the map, you can enter a location (address, ZIP code, city, state), or drill down to the location you want. Then you can select the area you're interested in; your choices include Draw Shape, Define Radius, Boundary Select, and Drive Route.

To draw a shape, click the Draw Shape option, then you can use the options (Define Radius, etc.) to select an area. Double click when you're done. Here's an example with an area near the University of St. Thomas.

Map Based Search Example

When you've drawn lines around all of the areas you want to search, click Done in the upper right corner to exit the map. You can add any other search limits or look at your results by clicking the green View Results button in the upper right corner. This will bring up a list of companies that match your search criteria.

Map Based Search View Results

This list of businesses is usually sorted in alphabetical order by business name, but you can change that to sort by street address or another column.

Map Based Search Example List of Businesses